This report reflects on what Karen has done for Listen Up! and what they have gained from this

 

WHAT HAS LISTEN UP GIVEN TO ME

Listen Up has given me confidence in myself and my reporting. It has given me the opportunity to address some of my innermost secrets which I have found to be very healing.

Listen Up has introduced me to some amazing people and organisations, it has opened my eyes to many inequalities and broken systems. It has shown me the various ways we can report and encouraged me to be more creative.

Listen up has made me feel worthwhile, I now know that anything is achievable. Listen up has helped me to believe in myself because they have believed in me.

WHAT HAVE I GIVEN TO LISTEN UP?

I have given Listen Up an honest account of myself, my ups and downs in life and how I’ve dealt with them. I hope I have given Listen Up reports that people can identify with. I hope I have given Listen Up material that may change a person or organisation’s way of thinking.

Thanks Listen Up for an amazing 3 years

When “Listen up hub” has closed down I’ve been wondering what I’ll do?

I can fill some time by doing service with Alcoholics Anonymous which can vary from doing the teas and coffees, setting the meetings up, being secretary or treasurer so there’s lots of options. Any service in AA is worthwhile and it does help to keep you well, but unfortunately it doesn’t fulfil my creative side, it doesn’t stretch my imagination and it will never give me that feeling I get when I see one of my reports on the hub.

I think I’ll carry on writing stories and poems just to keep my hand in and keep my mind active, unfortunately I won’t have anywhere to send them but I’m sure it will be beneficial to me. It’s good practice to put your thoughts on paper and like I’ve said many times I find the whole writing process healing and calming. Anyway, while I was mulling over ideas it got me wondering what everyone else will be doing with their time. It would be great to hear about your plans from both Staff and Volunteers.

I wish you all success in whatever life has in store for you.

 

The three-year Listen Up! project will be completed in September 2024. We are proud of what we have achieved and look forward to seeing what comes next at Groundswell and On Our Radar and for the community reporters. 

You can see other reports reflecting on what we have achieved and gained in this project under the tag Listen Up

The Listen Up! Hub and our insights and resources will be archived online for all to use. 

If you have any questions for Listen Up! or any community reporters, or you’re interested in joining our end of project celebrations, please get in touch at listenup@groundswell.org.uk